The key to good travel photography is preparedness with a touch of adaptability. Let me explain a little futher. First, you need to know the camera you’re using. Does the camera take a long time to start up? Be prepared to turn it on early. Does your camera’s battery die unexpectedly? Be prepared to have or buy back-up power. Do you know how to operate your camera to your liking? Be prepared and have all your settings set before you even go out. Do you know the weather of the location you’re vising? Be prepared and make sure you have proper attire/accessories for picture taking. How many pictures can you guess you’ll take? Be prepared to store them all safely during your trip. What is the purpose of your trip? Be prepared by knowing how much time you want to commit to taking pictures, and make sure your fellow travel partners are on board with this plan.
But basic preparedness is not the only thing to keep in mind. Whenever I go on holiday, I take a little time to look back on my previous travel photos. What images are memorable? What images are basically forgettable? What images did you forget to take that you always wish you would take? For instance, I have traveled thousands of miles on a few trips, just to realize that I had no photos of myself in those places. Now I’d rather just have good photos, but a shot to prove I am the one behind the camera would also be nice. And I know my wife wants pictures of us.
But when all is said and done, travel photography is about the moment. It is minorly scripted journalistic artistry. So in the heat of the moment, adaptability is key. You’ll likely not have that useful accessory or that perfect lens. But that’s ok. You’re traveling to enjoy the moment. So just take in the moment, be flexible, and let your artistry express itself through the image.
